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Many credit cards not only offer great rewards and perks, but they also come with sleek designs with an aesthetic appeal. While you should consider other factors like rates and fees or the potential for rewards when choosing a credit card, a nice-looking card can be a deciding factor when all else is equal.
With some issuers, you can customize your card with a personalized image; other issuers might offer different design options. Discover which best-looking card might be a fit for you.
Top cards for best looking
Best for foodies
Cardholder rating
4.4
Bankrate score
4.9
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Bankrate review
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on American Express‘s secure site
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Best for traveling in style
Cardholder rating
4.4
Bankrate score
5.0
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on Chase‘s secure site
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20.24% – 28.74% Variable
Best for flying in style
Cardholder rating
4.4
Bankrate score
4.8
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on American Express‘s secure site
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Best for no fees
Cardholder rating
4.1
Bankrate score
3.5
Bankrate review
Bankrate review
18.24% to 28.49% Variable
Best for entertainment and dining
Cardholder rating
4.4
Bankrate score
5.0
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Bankrate review
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on Capital One‘s secure site
See Rates & Fees
19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
Cardholder rating
4.2
Bankrate score
4.4
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on Discover‘s secure site
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18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR
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Comparing the best-looking credit cards
Here’s a quick look at Bankrate’s best-looking cards with their design options.
Credit cards for best-looking cards typically require a good-to-excellent credit score. If you have bad or fair credit, consider our top picks for secured cards or cards for fair/average credit.
How to choose the best-looking credit card
The best-looking credit card will always be a matter of personal preference. A metal credit card can add some flash to your payments and impress your friends, while a brightly-colored card may stand out among the other options in your wallet. Or maybe the unique flair of a credit card with a personalized image might be just your style.
That said, you should be careful not to choose a card based on looks alone. Make sure that the best credit card for you makes sense when considering the following:
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Credit history. The first step to take when looking for the right credit card is to evaluate your credit history and credit score. Both will determine which cards are available to you.
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Spending habits. Look back at your past statements and receipts to figure out which categories you spend the most in. Look for a credit card that offers higher rewards for your top spending categories.
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Annual fees. Paying an annual fee is only worth it if you’ll be able to offset the cost with rewards and benefits. Decide whether you prefer to pay or not pay an annual fee.
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Card benefits. In addition to varying rewards structures, many credit cards include benefits like welcome offers, merchant credits, limited-time promotions, purchase and travel protections and more.
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Debt or upcoming purchases. Many credit cards come with a 0 percent intro APR on purchases or balance transfers for a limited time, which can help you pay off large purchases over time or pay down debt without paying interest.
How to maximize rewards on best-looking cards
Most of the cards on our list are also some of the top rewards cards. With a rewards card, you can earn points, miles or cash back and redeem them for statement credits, travel expenses or other options. If your best-looking card also offers rewards, here are some tips on how you can reap the most benefits.
- Spend strategically. Make sure you are using the card that earns the most for that spending category. For instance, you might want to use the Capital One Savor card for dining since it earns 3 percent cash back in that category.
- Redeem wisely. Most rewards cards will offer several different redemption options; however, they might not all have a 1:1 value. Depending on the card, a gift card redemption might have a lower value, while transferring your points or miles to an eligible airline partner could boost your rewards value.
- Pair cards. You can take advantage of pairing cards to pool points into a single account while earning excellent rewards rates. With Chase, for example, you can aim for the Chase trifecta which typically includes Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Flex®*. By maximizing rewards on each card, you can rack up a hefty amount of rewards under one account.
What’s next?
The bottom line
As credit cards have become a common way to pay for purchases, carrying a card with a personalized or artistic design can be a factor when choosing a card. Just make sure you can afford to hold the card depending on its rates and fees and that it fits your overall financial goals.
*The information about the Apple Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Frequently asked questions about credit card designs
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